March Gladness: 3 Charlotte Adventures to Kick Off Spring

The daffodils are blooming, excited birdsong punctuates the predawn quiet, and longer afternoons are draped in a warm, golden blanket of sun. Indeed, spring is descending upon Charlotte and beckoning us to come out and play. 

This month, there are a number of opportunities to get out, get moving, and get involved in the community. If you've been stuck inside due to weather, COVID, work or school, now is the time to seek activities and events to connect with nature and each other. Below, find three such outings our family is planning to attend in the coming weeks. I hope you'll consider joining, too. 

I Heart Rail Trail: Lights

Beginning March 4 and running through March 20, lighted art installations will be featured along the Charlotte Rail Trail. This exhibit, made possible by a partnership between Charlotte Rail Trail, Charlotte Center City Partners, and U.S. Bank, offers a family-friendly, 100% outdoor experience with lots of opportunities for conversation, recreation and fun pictures. 

Read more about I Heart Rail Trail: Lights, including directions, nearby places to eat, and events taking place around the installations here. My favorite is the oversized nightlights at The RailYard/1414 S. Tryon St.

Growing Our Greenways

On Saturday, March 19, at 2:00 p.m., join Sustain Charlotte, Partners for Parks and Carolina Thread Trail for a walk or bike ride along one of Mecklenburg County's newest stretches of greenway. This event, which will start and finish at the Polk Historic Site in Pineville, is part of an initiative to highlight the many benefits of greenways and to amplify the voices of Mecklenburg County residents and organizations advocating for equitable and expedited construction of our county greenway network.

Learn more and register here. Whether you walk or ride, you'll be in good, fun company. 

Creek Week

During the week of March 19-26, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services will host its 4th annual Creek Week, featuring volunteer and educational opportunities across the city for all ages. From stream cleans to tree maintenance, planting to story time, storm drain marking to rain barrel making, there's something for everyone to get involved, love our planet, and give back to the community we all call home. 

Find Creek Week events and sign up to volunteer here. Equipment and materials are provided. 

Don't forget! 

Friendly reminder that Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 13. Don't forget to spring forward -- and be sure to take advantage of that extra hour of playtime. Hope to see you out and about in the coming weeks!